1/25 Daily in the Word

Who Will You Call?

1 Samuel 28:7-10

When you say "no" to God, you'll say "yes" to anyone.

Many consider William Tecumseh Sherman to be the first modern general based on his strategies and tactics. Some criticize his harsh methods including his practice of scorching the Southern land he conquered to prevent Southerners from rebuilding quickly. But he was beloved by most his troops and even held the nickname "Uncle Billy" among his soldiers.

Sherman served as a Major General during the Civil War and led in such battles as the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Shiloh, the Vicksburg Campaigns, the Jackson Expedition, the Chattanooga Campaign, the Meridian Campaign, the Atlanta Campaign, the Savannah Campaign (his famous "March to the Sea"), and the Carolinas Campaign. On March 8, 1869, he was awarded the position of Commanding General of the United States Army, and after his death he was given the position of General of the Army of the United States.

Sherman was a close personal friend of General Ulysses S. Grant and served alongside him in many Civil War campaigns. In 1865 Sherman sent Grant a letter that contained his confidence in Grant's help:

"I knew wherever I was that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place you would come-if alive."

Sherman knew that if he ever needed help he could call on Grant. We all generally have someone in our lives that we can contact in time of need whether a friend, family member, or spouse. But who do you go to first when you have a need?

When Saul entered a time of need he called for a "woman with a familiar spirit." This woman was a sorceress or fortune teller. He was desperate for information so rather than seeking God's guidance he sought guidance from a witch.

The witch lived in Endor which was roughly seventeen miles from Saul's camp. She claimed to be a necromancer, someone who could communicate with the spirits of the dead. She definitely was not going to be giving Saul godly advice.

It has been said that when you say "no" to God, you'll say "yes" to anyone. Saul had rejected God for so long he was willing to seek guidance from the very person he banished from Israel.

Who do you call when you need help? Do you look to God first or do you seek your own guidance, the guidance of friends, or other sources of help? While seeing counsel from godly friends or family is wise, be sure to look to God first when trials or need comes into your life. Always keep a tender hear to God's leading and seek His guidance immediately when problems come your way.

Daily Bible Reading
Exodus 12-13 | Matthew 16